Sero-epidemiological occurrence of “the killer” hepatic (B & C) infection among the population of District Jhang, Pakistan.

Abstract

The HBV and HCV viruses cause hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis, liver damage, and hepatocellular carcinoma occur in 15 - 40% of persons with chronic hepatitis caused by HBV or HCV. In Pakistan, 4-7 % have HCV and 10 % have HBV. Larger number of Pakistani communities have greater hepatitis rates. Jhang, (the most backward area of Punjab, Pakistan) was investigated for hepatitis B and C seroprevalence. 1322 serum samples were taken for this study from local population. Anonymized data for the study included seroprevalence and demographic of the local inhabitants. During investigation, project revealed that age, sex, social and health background of blood donors, income level and professions increase the sero-incidence of hepatic infection due to B & C pathogens. Males have more hepatic C virus infection than females, whereas females have higher hepatic B virus infection than males. Hepatitis B and C viruses are more common in the 30-40 years age group. Contrary to the wealthy, the impoverished are highly afflicted with Hepatitis B and C. People who had dental surgery or donated blood were more prone to HCV and HBV hepatitis. This study implies that HCV is more prevalent than HBV in the male population of Jhang. Education of people regarding the use of disposable syringes, needles, blades, donation and transfusion of non-tested blood is highly recommended to overcome the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C.